Monday, August 10, 2009

For those who were brave enough to go see the new Star trek Film this past spring, such as myself, I felt there was a certain something missing from one of the major plotlines from the film. What I am referring to is what did exactly happen to Nero and his crew after their encounter with the U.S.S Kelvin? Certainly something must have taken place in the missing time between their arrival 154 years in the past, and their encounter with the crew of the Enterprise many years later? Well I can safely say that all your questions will soon be answered, starting within the pages of Star Trek: Nero #1.

Opening just minutes after being stopped by the final and selfless act of Acting- Captain George Kirk aboard the U.S.S Kelvin, we find Nero and his crew surveying the damage to their ship, the Narada. Vowing that nothing has changed, and knowing that the Romulus they knew will still be destroyed, Nero and crew sets their plan of vengeance in motion, cutting a path of destruction through space sector after space sector. Unfortunately, this action brings Nero into conflict with the one race which would gladly fight to the death in order to gain the future technology the Narada possesses. And what happens next will have Trekkers crying out for more, as you will see the fate of Nero and his crew on a certain frozen prison planet made famous for being “inescapable” in the Star Trek mythos.

Overall, this really did satisfy my “What The??” reflex I had while watching this movie, especially about the part I mentioned at the beginning of the review. Although this would have been nice to see on the big screen, I know it would have taken away from the film itself. But thankfully it gets done right here, both story and art wise, and gets the necessary attention it deserves without interference.

Just like Star Trek: Countdown, this story seems poised to fill in the blanks on a sub plot which could turn out to be just as big as the main plot behind the new Star Trek film.

Sometimes it's not easy being a comics writer or artist. We can rattle off names of those who've been (and continue to be) successful in the comics field, but what of those who've fallen by the wayside? Many have struggled finding work once the glory days have waned and been saddled with financial or medical crises. The Hero Initiative exists to provides financial support to those creators who have given so much to the comics industry but have difficulty making ends meet in the present day. Hero Comics #1 is the brainchild of the Hero Initiative and proceeds will go to help the charity. It's a worthy effort and a great cause. For the fans, it's a win-win situation: pick up a swell book and help those who helped make comics come to life in days past.

Cover A, by J. Scott Campbell, is of great interest for several reasons. It depicts a naked Eve in the Garden of Eden holding the fruit of the forbidden tree (of which she's taken a big bite) whilst being entangled by Satan in serpent form. Judeo-christian thought holds that humankind was created in a state of bliss but due to Satan's tempting Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and fell from grace. What ensued? Disease, sickness, and the very real threat of poverty. This is the cover of Hero Comics #1, which benefits the Hero Initiative. What does the Hero Initiative do? Assist comic creators in their time of need when they're struck with disease, sickness and poverty. So either J. Scott Campbell is a genius or has a lot of dumb luck.

But don't expect to see this exact portrayal of Eve and the serpent on a stained glass window near you, however. Campbell goes for a lust-inducing pose that would make St. Augustine throw the first stone... or pray for his soul! And scholars think that the fruit was probably a fig rather than an apple. Plus the serpent should probably still have limbs at this point, but I digress...

The book is actually filled with religious references, neatly serving up the message that sometimes there aren't any miracles immediately forthcoming and that what we really need is genuine human kindness through good deeds like the Hero Initiative. Many of the stories are meditations on fame and the fragility of life or even break the fourth wall and dialogue with the reader about the importance of supporting creators in great want. Other stories are thank-yous that recount how the Hero Initiative was there to help in times of dire need.

Howard Chaykin kicks us off with a beautifully illustrated tale of what it means to be in the media spotlight and subsequently forgotten. The futuristic setting in which Reuben Flagg finds himself shows us the extent to which the 24-hour news cycle and reality television can become heartless purveyors of everything that's inhumane about human nature. Its message is simple: be thankful for what you have. Sometimes it's far more than you realize.

Next up, Josh Medors and Tom Smith personalize cancer as a monster that can't be simply banished by holy water but requires a long struggle, something for which the Hero Initiative is uniquely suited for. David Lloyd then presents a beautifully-painted two-page spread of a tombstone visit in spring. Cemeteries never cease to lack poignancy when handled correctly. A similarly short but more shocking piece is delivered by Gene Colan and Tom Smith as we see the link between the accidental demise of soldiers and the overall purpose of the book.

Lowell Francis, Gene Ha and Zander Cannon serve us up an uproarious modern-day retelling of the biblical story of Samson, the strong man who was ever at odds with the Philistines and had a weakness for beautiful ladies. Like Campbell's cover, it's amazing how rich the biblical narrative can be when it's given a fresh coat of paint. Another great yarn is Dream Princess by Kaare Andrews which makes readers expect something like Shrek before a terrific Heavy Metal-style twist at the end.

We also get to see some portfolio and pin-up work by Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales), Gene Ha (Captain Hammer), the two covers by Campbell and Matt Wagner (Grendel), as well as some amazing rethinking of classic Marvel artwork by Arthur Adams. Adams was the first contemporary creator that wowed me when I first picked up comics off the newsstand. I have fond memories of his covers for the New Fantastic Four in the early 1990's. It's amazing to see active artists give something back to those who've gone before them. And who knows? Maybe even they could be in need one day.

We also have a foursome of tales that show us how creators have been helped whilst in dire straits and how the regular fan can team-up to help as well. Bill Willingham and Laura Martin give us the comical Inchworm and his mini-speech to fans, William Messner-Loebs has a chain smoking bunny alongside a struggling creator and Jim McLauchlin, Rodolfo Migliari and Tom Smith presents us a scene from the San Diego Comicon. Lastly there's an unpublished script from the late Dave Simons (to whom the issue is dedicated) which discusses (using Satan no less) how the Hero Initative was there for him.

If ever there was a comic that deserved fan support, here it is. Readers will find sparkling creativity within these pages that will help provide for those who've shared their creativity with us so long ago.

Writers: VariousArtists: Various

On Sale August 12th

9/10

Adam P.Review Co-Editor

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.Read more...Read More

It never ceases to amaze me at how the lives of Superheroes, Gods, vampires, and heck even werewolves seem to be full of adventure, drama, and action. For us norms, (you know the “average” people), who have never been blasted by cosmic rays, been chosen by a mystical ring or just plain lucked out being chosen by some wizard as the “chosen one”, how can we idolize our mortal lives compared to those of a different calling ? For those of us who dream of living as they do (dealing with evil-doers, saving the day and keeping our loved ones safe) do we really get to see the whole picture? Can the stress these beings live with every day be worth what they get to do?

In Angel Only Human #1, we get a glimpse at what life was like for Winifred through her home, family, and love life. We also get a taste of what it meant to rule the world as a near omnipotent demon via Illyria, whose reign transcended that of our dimension. Illyria, always wanting to live a human existence, decides to help Winifred’s family deal with her “disappearance” five years ago, by showing up for a family funeral. Accompanying her on this road trip is Gunn, who along the way beings to notice Illyria has changed , and it might be thanks to certain past memories she has access to.

This storyline just keeps getting better and more interesting, with the writers expanding on each characters own stories in such a way that it always manages to stay refreshing. The art is amazing, reflecting the horror, whimsy, and just a touch of magic that this book exudes perfectly.

If I have one suggestion to make to the artist and writer, it would be please don’t change a thing!

After just two weeks on the market, Darwyn Cooke’s exceedingly popular graphic adaptation The Hunter has sold out from the distributor. IDW is pleased to announce that the second printing will be in stores in September, and encourages fans to check with their local retailers now for availability of any remaining copies from the first printing.

With two consecutive weeks on The New York Times best seller list, The Hunter has earned high praise for Cooke’s compelling interpretation of Parker and has been critically lauded nation-wide by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and Entertainment Weekly.

“This is a truly amazing book and one that IDW is very proud of,” said Special Projects Editor, Scott Dunbier. “Even though we aggressively overprinted the initial run, the book’s popularity is exceeding even our high hopes and we are thrilled to be on our second printing already. We encourage stores to place their reorders quickly to meet the continued demand for this great book.”

Darwyn Cooke, the Eisner-Award-winning writer and artist of such classics as DC: The New Frontier, Selina’s Big Score, and The Spirit, brings to life one of the true classics of crime fiction: Richard Stark’s Parker. Stark was a pseudonym used by the revered and multi-award-winning author, Donald Westlake.

“I'm thrilled with the response The Hunter has been getting,” said Cooke. “The critics and fans have been extremely kind. That, along with the lightning speed in which it sold out, makes me one happy guy.”

The Hunter, the first book in the Parker series, is the story of a man who hits New York head-on like a shotgun blast to the chest. Betrayed by the woman he loved and double-crossed by his partner in crime, Parker makes his way cross-country with only the thought of revenge burning in his mind.

“To anyone who hasn’t yet picked up a copy, call your local store—they might still have some copies, and if not, they can order one for you!” added Dunbier.

Darwyn Cooke’s The Hunter is now available in stores. Diamond re-order code MAY090880

Five page stand-alone preview available online and in the back of IRREDEEMABLE #5

AIN'T IT COOL NEWS lauds THE ANCHOR as "...fantastic..."

Retailers — be sure to clear racks on either side of THE ANCHOR for the safety of lesser books

Freak of nature! Hulking outcast! God’s own leg-breaker! This October, BOOM! expands their line-up of original ongoing series with the debut of THE ANCHOR — written by Eisner Award-nominated Phil Hester (GREEN ARROW, SWAMP THING, THE COFFIN, FIREBREATHER, THE DARKNESS) and drawn by red hot artist Brian Churilla (REX MUNDI, THE ENGINEER, CREEPY).

THE ANCHOR tells the story of “God’s own leg-breaker” — the one man standing between heaven and hell who can keep evil in its place… and told only the way Hester and Churilla know how to tell it.

BOOM! has also placed the 5 page stand-alone preview in the back of IRREDEEMABLE #5, available on stands now for 99 cents!

Pre-release buzz from the preview has been tremendous, leading AIN’T IT COOL NEWS to comment: “The action is amplified by the fantastic pencils of newcomer Brian Churilla, who reminds me of a mix between Mike Mignola and Eric Powell. Speaking of Powell, fans of his monster stomping THE GOON comic will definitely want to check out this book when it hits the shelves.”

“I'm thrilled to bring THE ANCHOR to BOOM!” said THE ANCHOR writer Phil Hester. “I've never had such enthusiastic support and savvy promotion for any of my creator owned properties.”

“THE ANCHOR’s not your average crossover of the month stuff,” said writer Phil Hester. “It's quirky, dark, violent, and most importantly unique. It’s for the discerning reader who wants something more than spandex and zombies from their comics. I hope by this time next year THE ANCHOR will be in the comic book dictionary under 'hit'.”

"Brian's artwork alone will make this project a winner. He's a superstar on the rise and we were lucky to nab him," Hester continued. "It's like Kirby, Wood, Kelly, and Mignola had this monstrous love child capable of producing comics with an equal inspiration from each. Mind blowing."

“We’re bringing in the best at BOOM!,” said BOOM! Studios Marketing Director Chip Mosher. “I love comics and I love seeing great comics get made. THE ANCHOR is an awesome series that combines supernatural thrills with traditional action kills, making THE ANCHOR the perfect choice for even the most picky of pull lists.”

THE ANCHOR #1 will ship with two covers by Brian Churilla and Rafael Albuquerque with a 50/50 split, and features a 1 in 10 incentive cover by Brian Churilla, carrying a Diamond Order Code of AUG090716.

Over 300 12-inch, parachute-equipped, G.I. JOE action figures will be taking a plunge off a 42-story Kansas City hotel roof and soar over 500 feet to the ground as an army of G.I. JOE enthusiasts cheer at the incredible spectacle.

The parachute jump, at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 14, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, marks the official opening of the 16th annual Hasbro International G.I. JOE Collectors’ Convention hosted by the G.I. JOE Collectors’ Club and Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). Attendees should arrive at the convention around 10:00 AM to ensure they don’t miss this amazing aerial stunt. For three days, thousands of G.I. JOE fans will meet at the Hyatt Regency to participate in events and activities that celebrate the brand’s 45-year history — with a special emphasis on the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga, the premise of this summer’s live action movie, G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra, from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro.

“We are excited to bring the fan convention and rich history of G.I. JOE to Kansas City during such a monumental year for the brand,” said Michael Ritchie, Global Brand Strategy and Marketing Director, G.I. JOE. “Attendees are going to participate in a weekend packed with G.I. JOE fandom as well as the latest and greatest from the G.I. JOE brand including activities and guests related to the live-action movie and new toy line.”

This year’s convention will feature a very special guest from G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra: actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, known for his television roles including Mr. Eko in LOST, who plays HEAVY DUTY. Also in attendance will be some of the original G.I. JOE creators from the 1960s and 1980s, industry guests, artists and, of course, the Hasbro G.I. JOE brand and design team. Additionally, the first 100 children, 12 years old and younger, through the doors on Saturday morning will be given a free G.I. Joe toy.

“With all of the excitement surrounding the movie, this convention is an event that all G.I. JOE fans should not miss,” said Brian Savage, Director of the G.I. JOE Collectors’ Club. “We invite families, kids, and kids-at-heart from the Kansas City area to join us at the convention on Saturday and Sunday alongside the die-hard G.I. JOE fans who will travel from all over the world to attend.”

The convention is being held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center located at 2345 McGee Street in Kansas City, Missouri. General admission tickets are available at the door, $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 5-12 (free child’s admission with a paid adult), and is always free for those 4 and under. General Admission tickets provide access to the showroom on Saturday, August 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Sunday, August 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional details and pre-registration information can be found at gijoecon.com, or by calling (817) 448-9863.

Hasbro inaugurated the G.I. JOE Collectors’ Convention in 1994 to bring collectors, fans and the G.I. JOE team together to share in the history of the brand. The annual event attracts thousands of people for G.I. JOE-related presentations and activities, along with buying, selling and trading rare and vintage G.I. JOE action figures.Read more...Read More

o Filmmakers Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich, Darla Anderson, and Bob Peterson reflect on the creation of the film, and share their most memorable anecdotes.

MONSTERS, INC. RIDE AND GO SEEK: BUILDING MONSTROPOLIS IN TOKYO

o A sneak peak of the newest Monsters attraction in Tokyo Disneyland, with exclusive interviews of the artists and engineers behind the ride.

ROZ’S 100 DOOR CHALLENGE (INTERACTIVE GAME)

o Think you have what it takes to be a Monsters, Inc. employee? Roz will be the judge of that with her 100 Door Challenge. Deal with whatever is behind each new door. It could be a puzzle, a trivia question, a mini-game . . . it could be crazy! Do your best. Your future employment at Monsters, Inc. hangs in the balance.

Marvel is proud to unveil the cover to The List—X-Men Hero Variant by superstar artist Frank Cho!

Don’t forget, every issue of the The List features a stunning new variant cover by Frank Cho spotlighting the major players in the event no Marvel fan can miss! The Marvel Universe as you know it will be no more after The List begins in September!

The #1 Animated Film of the Year!From the Creators of Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. comes the Hilarious and Unforgettable Adventure

Disney•Pixar’sUp

Coming to Blu-Ray™ Hi-Def and DVD with Disneyfile Digital Copy on November 10, 2009

An exhilarating, hilarious and heartfelt animated adventure comes home when Disney•Pixar’s Up arrives on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def and DVD on November 10, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Blending inspired whimsy with powerful emotion, the hugely successful feature film is an artistic and entertaining tour de force for the entire family. Up is available in a four-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, and a two-disc DVD, which both include DisneyFile, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic devices, as well as enough bonus features that keep the fun coming.

Up is the tenth in an unprecedented streak of critical and box office triumphs for Disney•Pixar that includes four Academy Award® winners for Best Animated Feature— WALL•E (2008), Ratatouille (2007), The Incredibles (2004) and Finding Nemo (2003)— as well as Cars, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life and Toy Story. Up joined each of its predecessors in ranking #1 at the box office on its opening weekend.

BONUS FEATURES FOR UP• Commentary by director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson.• Dug’s Special Mission – An all new original short film that follows the misadventures of Dug as he attempts to complete his “special mission.” The short is directed by Up Story Supervisor, Ronnie Del Carmen.• The Many Endings of Muntz – Many ideas were hatched about how to dispose of the film’s arch villain, Muntz, and now viewers can see the many alternate endings proposed during story development.• Partly Cloudy –The hilarious short film that preceded screenings of Up. Everyone knows that the stork delivers babies, but where do the storks get the babies? The answer lies up in the stratosphere where the cloud Gus is a master at creating “dangerous” babies, which prove to be more than a handful for his loval delivery stork Peck. Directed by Pixar story artist, animator and voice actor Peter Sohn.• Adventure is Out There – This action-packed documentary tells the story of the filmmakers’ own trek to the tepuis mountains of South America to research the design and story of the film.

And, only on Blu-ray Hi-Def, hours of features, and behind-the scenes bonus features, including:• Cine-Explore – A visual montage of concept art, clips and documentary coverage that illustrates the directors’ commentary.• Geriatric Hero – A character study of Carl, from research to realization includingart and design, rigging, animation and story. It focuses on the issues of aging, “simplexity”, shape-language and compelling character arcs.• Canine Companions – For anyone who ever wondered where CG puppies come from, an introduction to the design, behavior and language of dogs.• Russell: Wilderness Explorer – A character study of Russell from inspiration and design to finding the character arc and authentic voice for this wilderness ranger.• Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin – Find out how avian research and development at Pixar helped bring a mythical, 13-foot tall iridescent bird to life.• Homemakers of Pixar – Carl and Ellie’s house is an important “character” in thefilm. Fans follow the development of the house from story to art to its ultimaterealization in the computer.• Balloons and Flight – Carl’s house and Muntz's dirigible presented the filmmakers with two different problems—how could they make a physical impossibility possible? And, in the case of the dirigible, how would they unearth a fallen giant and let it soar?• Composing for Characters – Composer Michael Giacchino returns to score his third Disney•Pixar feature film. See how the Up filmmakers collaborated with Giacchino to create the memorable score and compelling musical themes.• Married Life – The original story concept that became the powerful “Married Life”scene, showing Carl and Ellie’s love story.• Global Guardian Badge Game – Players try to locate countries, states and capitals around the globe in a multi-layered BD-Exclusive geography game enhanced by BD-Live.

Synopsis:Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away onone of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly imaginative adventure.

Up has a suggested retail price of $39.99 SRP (US) or $44.99 SRP (Canada) for the 2-Disc DVD, and $45.99 SRP (US) or $52.99 SRP (Canada) for the 4-Disc Blu-ray Combopack. A 1-Disc DVD is also available at SRP $29.99 (US), $35.99 (Canada)

Hey there True Believers, here’s your official list of comic books, collections and posters arriving in comic stores on August 12th, 2009.

For more information on any of these titles, and on upcoming mighty Marvel releases, please visit http://www.marvel.com/catalog/?date=2009-08-12 or contact your local comic book retailer at 1-888-comicbook. Stay tuned each week for a brand new list of Marvel releases so that you’ll never miss your favorite heroes in action!

Hot Toys proudly present the third MMS Vinyl collectible – Alien Big Chap, which is a crossover project between Hot Toys and the famous Hong Kong comic artist - Khoo Fuk-Lung, James. Designed by James Khoo, this vinyl collectible captures all characteristics of the original Big Chap Alien but reformed in 8 inches high.

Product Description:

* This unique designed vinyl collectible approximately stands 8 inches/ 25 cm high in fine and detailed sculpture* Special feature: allows limited movements

Release date: Q4, 2009

Artists info:

* Original concept art and designed by Khoo Fuk-Lung, James* Sculpted and painted by Joseph Tsang